Thursday, November 26, 2009

Post Number 500


About a week ago I realized that my post on Thanksgiving would be the 500th post on my blog.  This seems like a milestone event, so I'd like to take a look back at the last couple of years.  I have a lot to be thankful for.  I will be having another "blog celebration" with some gifts very soon - I want to wait until after the holiday weekend.

I got my first Cricut (an Expression) just about two years ago.  I immediately started collecting cartridges.  The Design Studio software was a Christmas gift from my husband in 2007 (well, he did have a little "help"!) and I opened it up and installed it in late January.  I quickly found out that I really enjoyed using the software and started creating my own designs.  I started this blog in February, 2008 as a way to share my designs with fellow Cricut users.

The Design Studio software was gradually improved and I figured out how to make more complicated designs.  Updates added features which greatly expanded the creative potential of the program .  The up and down nudge arrows made it possible to create "adjustable" designs (not quite grouping but an improvement).  Welding inside an existing frame or silhouetted shape made more interesting designs possible. The "Hide Selected Contour" option was added - one of my favorite and most used design tools.

I found that I enjoyed writing about my creative process and helping other people to learn how to use the software to accomplish their design goals.  I started to post some items about other types of projects and occasionally about personal and family events as well but I remained primarily focused on Cricut and the Design Studio.   Last January I made a resolution to post on my blog every day in 2009 and I am on track to complete this resolution (I haven't missed a day yet this year!).  I have been honored to be asked by Provo Craft to preview/review cartridges, to have some of my creations featured in the "Chirp" newsletter and to be on several Design Teams.  The Gypsy was a recent addition to my crafting toolbox and I have been exploring the possibilities it adds to help me achieve new types of designs.

There are so many wonderful people that I have met through my blog, the Cricut message board and the online classes I have taught.  Most of you are "virtual" friends, but I have had a chance to meet a few of you in person.  As the year draws to a close I have been thinking about what to do next and I have some exciting plans for the new year.  I hope some of you will join me - watch for more details coming soon.

There have been many challenges along the way and I am sure there will be more to come.  I have learned so much about computers, the internet and new techniques. It all fascinates me and I have had some trouble maintaining balance between my crafting obsessions and "real" life however, in the end,  "It's all good!" - as  the framed  piece above says!

Thanks to all of you who subscribe and follow my blog.  It is quite a responsibility to realize that there are so many people looking for their daily email from me - it helps to keep me committed and busy creating.

I hope you had a great day - I will be back with a "normal" post tomorrow!

21 comments:

  1. Dianne, I really enjoy reading your blog, downloading your designs and your extremely useful information regarding all things Cricut. I look forward to following your progress through next year. Rachael (Australia)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congrats on your 500th post!!! I for one am so glad to have found your blog!!! Most helpful? Your posts on the hide/contour feature! Most inspirational posts? ALL of them!!! I look forward to your blog every day, and enjoy your creations, tips, & designs!

    You have really done so much for the internet community that frequents your blog! THANK YOU! Diane for all you do! :)

    God Bless,
    Lisa Sturgill
    LisaRN499@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Diane, I discovered your blog around November/December 2008. I would have never realized that you had only started posting earlier that year. Your blog has helped me expand my knowledge not only in using the Cricut/Design Studio but other techniques. Thank you so much for a year of fun!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Diane, Congratulations on hitting 500! Wow, that is totally awesome. Thanks so much for the wonderful designs and inspiration you share with the rest of us. Keep up the great work...hmmm ...play! Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Diane, 500 is quite a milestone: congratulations. We are lucky to 'have you'. I discovered you just a year ago and I tell people I meet in the Scrapbooking world about you. I blog my personal life, mostly, for family far away to read; throwing in a few of my creations so I only know a little of what you have had to learn/do. I think we all understand what you refer to when you speak of the balancing act between artistic/creative endeavours and 'real life'...it's my house cleaning that loses. I so value your creative designing talent, patience, and willingness to share all with us. I've taken some of the online classes with you and like them; looking forward to more in 2010. Thank you. Diana

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations Diane! You have been true to posting each day on your blog even when on vacation, that's amazing!!! I really appreciate everything that you share and teach online as well.
    I have some great news! Black Friday was fabulous for me at my local craft store who shares the same name of my son, Robert - but they add an 's to it. Here's my news! I was able to get a fantastic price for my new Expression!!! So I have a baby bug and the big one. Plus 5 new cartridges and the two in the Expression (total 7) also priced at an amazing price. Why did I get the Expression? Because of you and your fabulous classes. Yes, I could have been satified with my BB which I've been since they first came out, yet having the big Expression gives me so much time saving crafting AND using my Design Studio along with my Jukebox I can now make things BIGGER and faster, saving paper too. Thank you Diane! While at my Craft Store, I talked about you and your classes. So I hope to have at least four people checking out your site for classes in the near future. Long message but I am so grateful to know and have you as my long distance friend!
    Love,
    Sher

    ReplyDelete
  7. Diane, I've only been receiving your emails for a couple of months now but you are right: Everyday, I eagerly open your email to see what I can learn that day or to see another beautiful card or design. Thank you so much for all that you do here.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Diane:
    I have been a follower for a long time and followed you even before the blog on the Cricut MB - you are extremely talented and even better, extremely nice to share that talent! Thanks for reminding me how much there is to be thankful for outside of my family and friends at home - I am thankful for the great, big, wide, wonderful blog world where I have learned so much and met some great friends!
    Happy Thanksgiving and congrats on your 500th post,
    jackie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations! That is an amazing accomplishment! I think your posts are just great and always full of much instruction and detail! YOU ROCK, Diane!

    Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Hugs, Joy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congrats on your 500th post. Thank you for all the work to help others with cricut issues.
    Clara

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats on your 500 milestone. Keep up the great work. Just love seeing all the wonderful things you come up with.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks Diane for your wonderful blog and congratulations on your 500th post! Your blog has helped me so much and I look forward to seeing your amazing creations!
    Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful! Mary

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bravo, felicidades,Diane!! I decided to say it in Spanish since everyone said congrats hee hee. I enjoy your blog very much and I've never been disappointed. Your comments have always been insightful but most of all inspirational. Looking forward to the next 500!

    Hugs,

    Carmen L

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congratulations Diane!!! Wow to your 500 posts!! Your blog was the first I found that had to do with the Cricut (I got my Expression only last Christmas). I enjoy your helpful tips...so thanks for all you put into your blog and for your inspiration!!!

    Terry

    ReplyDelete
  15. CONGRATULATIONS!! 500!!! Whats more amazing is from 1-500 they have all been FANTASTICLY AMAZING!! Your designs fascinate me!! They are just BEAUTIFUL!! Your GGRREAT.....!!!!!!!!!!!!! May we be BLESSED with 500 + more..

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congrats on your 500th post! With all you do, where do you find the time???? Happy Holiday to you, and yours. Those pies look wonderful. Our neighbors dog got hold of ours and ate it, so I didn't get any pie. I think I'll go bake the one in the freezer!

    ReplyDelete
  17. 500 that is just awsome!!! It is so sweet and generous of you to share your talents with us, you are a true insperation. I just ordered my expression and I am already using my DS to create cut files. Thank you so much. HUGS

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow ... you are clever. Thanks for sharing your work and techniques. I'm a Cricut newbie so not very good with the bug yet. Your blog is wonderful.

    Renee D.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congrats! And thank you so much! I would be afraid of Design Studio if it wasn't for you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Diane, wow 500 posts. You are so nice to share your files with us. I hope you offer several things on the use of the gypsy. I would like to take your DS classes but being on a retired fixed income I can't afford it so thanks for the free ones. Again Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  21. Diane,
    I LOVE your blog. You are the one blog I read everyday at work during my lunch. I do read others, but not everyday. I purchased my cricut e in March 2009 and found your blog this summer. I have enjoyed all of your posts and continue to read the older posts as well. I purchased DS in fall and am still just learning as I don't have much time to sit at the computer and "play", but your blog has taught me so much! I would like to take your classes if the timing ever works out for me. I am excited for your 2010 plans and congratulate you on your 500th post! I sure hope there will be at least 500 more! Thank you for all your hard work and excellent creativity. Bughappy from cmb

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I love to hear from the people who read my blog. I moderate all comments to keep spam off the blog without making you decode the squiggly letters so your comment may not appear immediately.